NRG Energy (NRG) vs Vistra (VST)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Vistra (VST) has outperformed NRG Energy (NRG) over the past year, losing 24.4% versus a loss of 36.5%. Over five years, VST leads with a +693.4% price change compared with +157.9% for NRG. Vistra is the larger company by market cap ($52.41 billion vs $22.35 billion), about 2.3 times the size, while NRG Energy is growing revenue faster (+9.2% vs +3.0%).
On valuation, NRG Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (9.5x vs 15.0x for Vistra). NRG Energy offers the higher dividend yield (1.75% vs 0.58%). Vistra converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 5.3% versus 2.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | NRG | VST |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $106.32 | $156.14 |
| Market cap | $22.35B | $52.41B |
| 1-day change | -2.11% | -6.35% |
| YTD return | -33.23% | -3.22% |
| 1-year return | -36.53% | -24.41% |
| 5-year return | +157.93% | +693.39% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 27.83 | 26.33 |
| Forward P/E | 9.50 | 14.99 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.82 | $5.93 |
| Dividend yield | 1.75% | 0.58% |
| Annual dividend | $1.87 | $0.91 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $30.71B | $17.74B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +9.18% | +2.98% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $864.00M | $944.00M |
| Gross margin | 19.38% | — |
| Operating margin | 6.01% | 10.75% |
| Net margin | 2.81% | 5.32% |
| 52-week high | $189.96 | $217.10 |
| 52-week low | $93.36 | $132.66 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -44.03% | -28.08% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +74.47% | +34.65% |
| Average volume | 2.88M | 5.22M |
| Shares outstanding | 210.21M | 335.64M |
| Employees | 16,702 | 6,390 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Utilities - Independent Power Producers | Utilities - Independent Power Producers |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Vistra is about 2.3 times larger than NRG Energy by market value ($52.41B vs $22.35B).
- VST has outperformed NRG by 12.1 percentage points over the past year.
- NRG Energy offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.75% vs 0.58%).
- NRG Energy grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+9.18% vs +2.98%).
About NRG Energy
NRG stock →NRG Energy, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy and home services company in the United States and Canada. It operates through the Texas, East, West/Other, Vivint Smart Home, and Corporate Activities segments.
Utilities · Utilities - Independent Power Producers · 16,702 employees
About Vistra
VST stock →Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company in the United States. The company operates through five segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, and Asset Closure.
Utilities · Utilities - Independent Power Producers · 6,390 employees
NRG vs VST FAQ
Which is bigger, NRG Energy or Vistra?
Vistra (VST) is larger, with a market capitalization of $52.41B compared with $22.35B for NRG Energy (NRG).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NRG or VST?
VST returned -24.41% over the past 12 months, compared with -36.53% for NRG (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NRG or VST?
VST has the lower trailing P/E at 26.3, versus 27.8 for NRG. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, NRG Energy or Vistra?
NRG Energy has the higher yield at 1.75%, compared with 0.58% for Vistra.
Are NRG Energy and Vistra in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Utilities - Independent Power Producers industry within the Utilities sector.